IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: October 9, 2018
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Michael Cole, Vic Joseph, Renee Young

We’re starting to get somewhere with this series as the teams are becoming more established and you can see which ones are going somewhere and which aren’t. This week will see some more teams who we’ve seen before, which is likely going to be the case on every show going forward. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Raw Division: Bayley/Finn Balor (1-0) vs. Braun Strowman/Ember Moon (1-0)

The women start things off with Ember shouldering her down. Bayley does the exact same thing but adds in a sliding clothesline, allowing her to hit some Too Sweet poses. It’s off to the men with Strowman missing a charge and getting caught with an enziguri. That’s about it for Strowman getting beaten up so he takes Balor down and works on a neck crank.

Balor fights up but gets run over with another clothesline. The heating continues with forearms and headbutts but Balor slips out of the running powerslam. A missed charge is finally enough for the hot tag to Bayley, who is taken down with a quick gutbuster. Bayley kicks her in the head for two, which Cole says would be a major upset.

It’s Bayley over Ember Moon, which isn’t an upset of any kind. The Bayley to Belly gets two with Strowman making a save. A running charge sends Strowman shoulder first into the post and Balor hits a double stomp to the back. The Coup de Grace is countered into the running powerslam to give Strowman the pin at 9:07.

Rating: C-. Not much to this one as Strowman pinning Balor was the most likely outcome of the whole thing. Neither of the women have anything going for them at the moment and it makes more sense to have Balor take the loss as Strowman has a big title match coming up. This show isn’t as important, but at least it’s a win over a big name.

As we see the standings, Kevin Owens’ picture is blacked out, meaning he’ll need a replacement due to being laid out by Bobby Lashley.

Natalya isn’t sure who she should have as a replacement partner.

Lio Rush hypes up Bobby Lashley and Mickie James against Natalya and whomever she picks.

Smackdown Division: Carmella/R-Truth (0-1) vs. Charlotte/AJ Styles (1-0)

Charlotte is very banged up from her Smackdown match, sporting bad ribs and an arm injury. We start with a WHAT’S UP vs. WOO showdown, which eats up nearly the first minute and a half. The guys wins up starting things off and it’s already time for a dance off, with AJ more than holding his own.

The women come in and do the splits, along with Truth, leaving AJ to look rather scared. Styles tries it himself and seems to pull some muscles, which is enough for things to settle down. Charlotte loads up a chop so Carmella bails to the floor for a chase. After three laps, Carmella finally gets caught but is still able to block the Figure Eight.

Carmella breaks it again and switches into the Code of Silence. That’s broken up as well so let’s hear from Jimmy Uso and Naomi. The guys come in with Styles cleaning house with Carmella breaking up a cover. AJ: “Carmella you’re not supposed to be in here!” Carmella superkicks Charlotte to the floor, leaving Carmella to hold Truth’s hand to block a sunset flip. Charlotte breaks that up and AJ pins Truth at 8:28.

Rating: D. The comedy stuff is starting to wear on me a bit, though it’s another case where neither Truth nor Carmella was going to be a real threat to their opponents. Just let them do their funny stuff and take the loss, which is really all you can ask them to do. That being said, if there was ever going to be a chance for Styles and Charlotte to lose, it would have been here. Barring a surprise, they’re going to walk into the finals.

Miz and Asuka are ready for next week.

Rusev and Lana are ready for next week.

AJ struts and breakdances to end the show.

Overall Rating: D+. I really wasn’t feeling this one as the comedy is getting to be rather tiresome. It’s fine to do it sometimes, but you need to switch things up every now and then. The show is still short enough that it’s hard to get too mad at anything and the matches are usually good for a chuckle. This was the weakest of the season so far, but this is the kind of show that can bounce back without much effort.

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: September 25, 2018
Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Commentators: Michael Cole, Renee Young, Vic Joseph

It’s week two and we have the reigning champions in action for the first time. Last week’s show was more than entertaining enough and hopefully that’s the case again here. We also have R-Truth and Carmella, who have become one of the most entertaining acts in WWE, together tonight so the pieces are in place for success again tonight. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The announcers run down the two matches and show us how to use Facebook Watch.

Raw Division: Mickie James/Bobby Lashley vs. Jinder Mahal/Alicia Fox

So yes we really do have to watch this one, though it includes Mickie James in that red gear of hers and I find that to be more than sufficient to make up for it. Lio Rush comes out to handle Lashley’s entrance, who happens to be very over in his home state. The guys start things off with Lashley cranking on a wristlock and then leapfrogging Mahal twice to show off the agility.

Hang on though as Mahal wants a pushup contest. Lashley obliges and the women even sit on their partners’ backs. The Dino Bravo/Earthquake tribute segment goes just fine until Sunil Singh sits next to Fox and Mahal collapses. The ticked off Mahal gets powerslammed for two with Fox having to make the save. Mickie comes in with a top rope Thesz press but Alicia is right back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.

We hit a bodyscissors as Bayley and Finn Balor comment about the match. The chinlock goes on as Miz and Asuka are warning up in the back. Mahal comes in without a tag for a distraction and Fox kicks her in the face for two. A clothesline allows the hot tag to Lashley and everything breaks down, including the managers getting in a fight. Lashley hits the delayed vertical suplex for the pin at 7:53.

Rating: D+. The pushup thing was fine and it’s always nice to see Mahal getting pinned clean instead of main eventing pay per views but this was little more than a comedy match. To be fair though, what else were they supposed to do? Look at these pairings and show me a path to a competitive match. This was about as good as it was going to get and that’s fine.

Bayley and Balor are ready to face Jinder and Alicia next week.

Jinder and Alicia panic and Fox Singh isn’t invited next week.

Smackdown Division: R-Truth/Carmella vs. Miz/Asuka

The announcers recap the issues on Smackdown to help set things up a bit. Before the match, it’s a MIZTV vs. TRUTHTV battle of the chants until the women start things off. They circle each other until Miz tags himself in, allowing Truth to take him down and dance. There’s a hiptoss and DANCE BREAK, with Carmella joining in this time. Asuka comes in and dances as well, sending Miz into a frenzy. He wants to show off his moon walk and proceeds to walk around like he’s on the moon in a funny bit. Truth superkicks him to the floor though and Asuka sends Carmella out to join him.

Some moon walks into the splits have Asuka and Miz upset and another TRUTHTV chant makes it even worse. Back in and Miz kicks Truth in the face to take over but Truth punches him out of the air. The double tag brings in the women with Asuka hitting a running dropkick. A running hip attack gives Asuka two and a Shining Wizard is good for the same. Carmella gets her own two off a superkick with Miz making the save. Truth gets low bridged to the floor and it’s the Asuka Lock for the tap at 9:59.

Rating: C. Of course it was another comedy match and that’s the best idea they’re going to have around here. This was another case where it’s hard to buy one team as a threat as Truth isn’t beating Miz and Carmella isn’t champion anymore so she’s not beating Asuka. The fans were into it and that’s what matters most, so just let them have some fun.

A preview for next week’s show wraps things up.

Overall Rating: C-. It’s hard to get mad at a show that is about half an hour long and features to fun comedy matches. There’s only so much you can do on a show like this and this is about as good of an idea as they can have. Later on we can get into some more serious matches when teams are more in need of wins, but for now just let their personalities be turned up a bit and let them show off.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Smackdown Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/09/07/new-book-kbs-complete-smackdown-2003-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: September 18, 2018
Location: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Commentators: Michael Cole, Vic Joseph, Nigel McGuinness

We’re back with season two of this shindig, which should be a lot of fun. The first season saw some rather entertaining matches and moments as it turned out that some teams had some actual chemistry together. This season is a little different though as we have a round robin format this time around as opposed to a single elimination tournament. Let’s get to it.

Since the tournament is a round robin format, the Raw and Smackdown teams won’t cross over until the finals, hence the Raw/Smackdown division names.

The announcers teach us how to use Facebook, as in the way we’re watching the show in the first place. That always makes me chuckle.

Raw Division: Braun Strowman/Ember Moon vs. Kevin Owens/Natalya

Moon is replacing the injured Alexa Bliss, who will get her spot back once she’s healthy. The men start and Owens immediately begs off from Strowman before handing it off to Moon instead. That means the women take it to the mat as Renee tries to remember the Team Pawz thing. Hang on though as Alicia Fox and Jinder Mahal ARE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION!

Back to the ring with Owens screaming that Natalya can’t let Moon tag. Moon cartwheels, with Owens praising her for being eight years old. A powerbomb sets up a Sharpshooter on Moon but Strowman makes a save and tags himself in. Panicking ensues in a hurry and the house cleaning comes just as quickly.

Owens gets knocked to the floor and Strowman does the run around the ring to knock Owens over. A second attempt runs into a superkick though and Owens throws him over the announcers’ table for a nine count. Back in and Natalya tags herself in to break up the powerslam, only to have Moon take her down in a hurry. Moon climbs onto Strowman’s shoulders for the Eclipse (dang) and the pin at 7:25.

Rating: C. Now this is the kind of thing I was hoping for from this show. It’s nothing great and was far from a mat classic, but the people were having fun and it played off the history that Owens and Strowman already have. Throw in the awesome looking finish and that’s really all you need to have. Good start to the season.

Sasha Banks and Bobby Lashley laugh off the idea of Alicia Fox and Jinder Mahal. Well yeah, as they should.

Mahal tries to teach Fox about inner peace with expected results.

Smackdown Division: Jimmy Uso/Naomi vs. AJ Styles/Charlotte

The guys start with AJ wrestling in a shirt for some reason. A feeling out process goes nowhere and it’s an early standoff. They catch kicks to the ribs at the same time and shake hands, which neither is willing to release. Naomi comes in and snaps her fingers at Charlotte which means….I have no idea actually. Charlotte kicks her down and struts a lot so Naomi grabs a springboard sunset flip for two.

They also do the caught kicks and handshake (at the same time in this case) until Naomi kicks her out to the floor. Naomi’s dive is caught by AJ and that’s not cool with Jimmy. Charlotte dives onto both of them but Naomi kicks her in the head to take over. Back in and the split legged moonsault misses, allowing Charlotte to hit the moonsault for two.

It’s back to the men with AJ cleaning house but the Styles Clash is reversed into a Samoan drop. Everything breaks down and Charlotte puts Jimmy in the Figure Eight, only to have Naomi dive in for the save. AJ breaks that up but takes the Rear View, leaving Naomi to get kicked in the face. The Figure Eight makes Naomi tap at 9:43.

Rating: C-. While not as fun as the previous match (there’s no reason to believe that AJ and Charlotte are going to lose for a LONG time), there was enough to keep things going here. Naomi has more charisma than she knows what to do with and having her out there with her husband is really all you can expect her to do. It’s certainly not bad and the match was perfectly watchable, which is perfectly fine.

Post match the winners celebrate, although with AJ tripping and taking Charlotte down with him.

Miz and Asuka are ready for next week.

R-Truth is ready to beat Carmella next week, though he eventually realizes they’re partners.

Overall Rating: C. This is exactly what made the previous season work: keeping the matches short, not having any real hatred or anger between the teams and being much more lighthearted. That’s the big draw of the show. So much of WWE is deadly serious and it’s nice to see these characters in a more laid back atmosphere. That offers a little change of pace, along with the show being in and out in a hurry. Nothing great, but it was exactly what it was billed as being.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/09/07/new-book-kbs-complete-smackdown-2003-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: April 3, 2018
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix

It’s time for the final episode of the show, which isn’t exactly the biggest surprise in the world. You could probably guess the finalists when you saw the brackets and that’s not the worst thing in the world. We get a preview for Charlotte vs. Asuka, which should be a lot of fun, though also short. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Rusev, Lana, Big E. and Carmella are all chatting this week.

Video on Miz and Asuka at their charity: Rescue Dogs Rock.

Mixed Match Challenge Finals: Charlotte/Bobby Roode vs. The Miz/Asuka

The guys start us off and Roode hits the quick pose. No contact in the first minute so Asuka starts screaming, which only allows Roode to get in a chop. The threat of the Glorious DDT is enough for Asuka to come in and it’s time for the Wrestlemania preview. They grab a lockup and both go to the mat with it, followed by a trip to the floor. That’s enough from them so it’s back to Miz vs. Roode with the latter getting two off a backslide.

Miz starts in on the knee but the Figure Four is broken up as Corey goes into the history of the Miz, the Flair Family, and the Figure Four. It’s more complicated than you might expect. Charlotte comes in and chops away, followed by the moonsault for two. Miz’s distraction lets Asuka grabs a rollup for two but it’s back to Roode. The Skull Crushing Finale is countered into another rollup for another two and it’s time for the YES Kicks. Oh man when Bryan comes out to stare Miz down for that, the roof is coming off the building.

Roode gets two off a swinging Rock Bottom and the Figure Four is countered into a small package for the same. Charlotte spears Miz down and puts on the Figure Four with Asuka making a save, despite a submission not counting anyway. Back up and Asuka sends Charlotte outside, setting up the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin on Roode at 12:56. Asuka is ELATED at the Streak being safe.

Rating: B-. I’m not sure what else you were expecting at this point as these matches have been very similar for most of the tournament. They’re short, to the point, and waste no time in doing their thing. The wrestling is usually good and both teams play off of each other very well. Charlotte spearing Miz was a nice touch and we got a Wrestlemania preview at the same time. Nothing wrong here and a good note to end the series on.

Post match Miz talks about this being the best week of his life. Miz lists off some of the charities being fought for in the tournament and talks about how awesome Rescue Dogs Rock is. They both promise wins on Sunday to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. I liked the tournament as a whole. The key thing here was that it didn’t waste time. You were in and out in less than twenty five minutes a week and the whole thing was twelve matches. They didn’t build this up as some monumental thing and just got in, did their thing, and got back out. It was well done and the show was entertaining without overstepping its bounds. I liked it and could go for a sequel next year.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of the WWE Grab Bag (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/03/23/new-paperback-kbs-grab-bag/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: March 27, 2018
Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Michael Cole, Beth Phoenix, Corey Graves

We’re down to the home stretch here with just two shows left. This week’s was supposed to feature Bobby Roode/Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks/Finn Balor but a bad dental issue is keeping Charlotte out of the match. Since it’s WWE though, they have a substitute on hand with three possible options to take Charlotte’s place. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We waste no time in announcing Becky Lynch as the replacement, beating out Lana and Carmella.

Video on Banks and Balor with some Special Olympians, their represented charity.

Semifinals: Becky Lynch/Bobby Roode vs. Sasha Banks/Finn Balor

The guys start us off with Balor not being able to flip out of a wristlock. A headscissors escape makes Roode laugh and they exchange poses. It’s off to Becky vs. Sasha (the big showdown here) with Becky scoring off some armdrags but neither being willing to throw a punch. That changes in short order as they won’t shake hands so Banks hammers away on the mat.

Roode and Balor head back in with Bobby getting the better of it this time around and grabbing a waistlock. Balor comes back with a Pele Kick and the women are back in with an exchange of shots to the face. Banks misses the running knees in the corner and gets kicked to the apron.

A superplex drops Banks again but it’s back to Balor vs. Roode instead of Becky covering. Something like Eye of the Hurricane gets two on Roode but he’s back up with a Blockbuster for the same. Banks hits the top rope knees on Becky and then dives through the ropes onto Roode. Back in and Becky grabs a small package for the fast pin at 11:13.

Rating: C. The wrestling was acceptable here and Becky is more than fine for a replacement. The big thing here though was they treated Banks vs. Lynch like a big deal, which was the right way to focus rather than fairly uninteresting Roode vs. Balor stuff. At least Charlotte will be back for the final, which should be a big deal.

Post match Kurt Angle, the hometown boy, comes out to hype next week’s finale.

Overall Rating: C+. We’re in the very final home stretch and the tournament doesn’t feel like it’s been going that long. As has been mentioned several times now, the shows being this short is such a relief as they don’t waste time and get to the point. I had a good time watching this and the final could be very interesting, especially as a Wrestlemania preview.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of the WWE Grab Bag (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/03/23/new-paperback-kbs-grab-bag/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: March 20, 2018
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix

We’re almost done with the tournament as there are only three shows left. That means tonight will give us one of the finalists as Alexa Bliss/Braun Strowman face off with The Miz/Asuka. These have been two of the favorites for a long time now so it’s no surprise that one of them will be in the finals. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

A shaken up Michael Cole welcomes us to the show as Daniel Bryan is stretchered out follow the attack at the hands of Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens.

You can vote for the team to get a second chance in next week’s other semifinal.

Semifinals: The Miz/Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss/Braun Strowman

Asuka is tagged back in and Miz goes for a walk. Alexa gets knocked into Braun’s arms again and, after a rather teased look, is thrown back in for an armbar from Asuka. That’s reversed into a chinlock as an END HER STREAK chant starts up. Strowman comes back in for a hard whip to the corner and a knee to Miz’s back. The running powerslam is broken up and Miz starts on the knee but the YES Kicks just annoy Strowman.

Miz gets thrown outside so a happy Bliss grabs Strowman by the beard and pulls him to her….but Miz forearms him in the back. NOW Braun is really angry and the chase is on with Strowman catching Miz in that scary way that he can do. For some reason Strowman tags Bliss back in and it’s time for the running kicks for two on Bliss. A double kick means a double knockdown and it’s Strowman driving Miz through the barricade. Bliss gets a pair of twos off a pair of rollups but it’s the Asuka Lock for the tap out at 11:08.

Rating: C. The idea of Asuka being terrified of losing her streak is a cool concept and something that can play to her later on. With her being scared of losing, someone can gain a psychological advantage. On top of that, there’s Bliss and Strowman, who unfortunately likely won’t go anywhere. At least it was fun while it was lasted.

Strowman carries Bliss to the back.

The winners of the second chance fan vote is…..Finn Balor and Sasha Banks. Bobby Roode and Charlotte are interested in the second chance to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. Another nice and very easy to watch show here as it’s about twenty minutes every week. Odds are Miz and Asuka win the whole thing but either of the other teams could be a nice monkey wrench. This week’s match was fun and they had some more psychology here, which is a lot more than you can say about most WWE shows.

Remember to check out my new forum at steelcageforums.com, follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of the WWE Grab Bag (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/03/23/new-paperback-kbs-grab-bag/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: March 13, 2018
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix

We’re getting deep into this thing as tonight will determine the third semifinalists. This week’s show features Bobby Roode/Charlotte vs. Rusev/Lana, in what could be a rather entertaining match. Roode and Charlotte could easily be the favorites to win the whole thing and that should be a good sign for them tonight. Let’s get to it.

Here’s last week’s show if you need a recap.

Here’s your demonstration of whether or not you want to display comments. Odds are they’re fine with them as long as they’re not about Fabulous Moolah.

Both teams promise to win.

Quarterfinals: Charlotte/Bobby Roode vs. Lana/Rusev

Charlotte even does a little dance to Roode’s entrance. Before the bell, Rusev sings the Lana Song and even the power of WOOing can’t overcome it. Slaps and chops are exchanged with Rusev and Lana bailing out to the floor. The women get things started and Lana is instantly in over her head off a quick armdrag.

A test of strength goes slightly better thanks to a kick to the ribs but Charlotte calmly tosses her into the corner. An X Factor gives Lana two, only to have Charlotte send her flying with a fall away slam. The guys come in with Roode’s Glorious DDT attempt being countered with a Machka Kick. We hit the chinlock so it’s off to a shot of Natalya and Shinsuke Nakamura chatting with fans.

Back up and Roode gets superkicked in the shoulder but Rusev takes WAY too much time on a middle rope splash. It’s back to the women with Charlotte kicking her in the face and Rusev having to drag Lana out of trouble. Charlotte chops Rusev in an act of bravery to almost no effect. The distraction lets Roode sneak in with a Glorious DDT and the (illegal) pin at 11:00.

Rating: C-. The Charlotte/Rusev stuff worked but this was a little less interesting than most of the matches they’ve done. That chinlock hurt things a lot but above all else it was the lack of drama. Even if you say Rusev and Roode cancel each other out (and that’s a stretch), Lana isn’t a threat to Charlotte and everyone knows it. Lana was trying here but there’s no way around Charlotte. On a more positive note: they seem to be teasing a romance between Charlotte and Roode, which makes me wonder how they haven’t done that on this series yet.

Alexa Bliss/Braun Strowman and The Miz/Asuka are ready to win next week.

Overall Rating: D+. I don’t know if the show is wearing on me or what but this one wasn’t as much fun as I’ve had with the previous episodes. It’s not a bad show or anything but it’s still nothing that I’m going to remember in a day or two. The wrestling wasn’t much, but it needs something a little more interesting to keep the fans drawn in. That being said, there are only three episodes left so it’s not like this is a long term problem.

Remember to check out my new forums at steelcageforums.com, follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the 2018 Updated Version of the History of the WWE Championship in e-book or paperback. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/01/26/new-book-kbs-history-of-the-wwe-championship-2018-updated-version/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: March 6, 2018
Location: Resch Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix

It’s time to set up a semifinals match as this tournament is starting to hit the home stretch. This week will see Raw vs. Smackdown as Braun Strowman/Alexa Bliss take on the real life husband and wife of Jimmy Uso/Naomi. The winners get Miz/Asuka in what might be the real tournament finals. Let’s get to it.

Here’s last week’s show if you need a recap.

Here’s how to use the thing you’re using to watch this show. Bobby Roode, Charlotte, Rusev and Lana are all doing comments on the show.

Strowman says Glowish ends tonight.

Naomi promises to snatch Alexa bald and Jimmy isn’t afraid of Braun. Well at least Naomi says he isn’t.

Quarterfinals: Alexa Bliss/Braun Strowman vs. Naomi/Jimmy Uso

Naomi shoves Alexa before the match and Bliss tries to charge, only to have Strowman pick her up with one arm in one of those cute moments that only they can pull off. The guys start and Naomi looks scared when reality sets in. Strowman charges into a boot but runs Jimmy over like he’s not even there. With Jimmy nearly dead in short order, it’s off to the women for a fairer match.

Naomi takes her down but Jimmy distracts Braun to break up an early tag attempt. Instead it’s off to an armbar to keep Bliss down but she kicks Naomi away. Jimmy dives over to knock Strowman off the apron and a few superkicks stagger the monster. Twisted Bliss is countered with an enziguri but Braun catches her. He seems to like the idea (well duh) but sits Bliss on the apron instead. This time Bliss gets knocked onto Strowman and she seems a bit intrigued as well. Must be the beard.

Jimmy makes fun of Strowman for being knocked down so Strowman chases him down with way too much ease. Back in and Naomi kicks Bliss in the face but Jimmy doesn’t seem interested in making the tag. Believe it or not, there’s some actual psychology in this thing. Naomi hits her dancing kicks and drops a leg for two. Strowman has finally had enough and runs Jimmy over before powerslamming him through the table. Bliss takes advantage of the distraction and rolls Naomi up for the pin at 10:34.

Rating: C+. As fun as Bliss and Strowman are together (not to mention as adorable as they are together), I was having more fun with Jimmy being terrified of facing Strowman. It gave the match a story and that’s kind of hard to do on something like this. I can go for thinking in something this basic and it’s made the show that much better. Good little match here as Bliss and Strowman continue to look like the top team in the whole thing.

Roode says next week will be WOO Day.

Lana and Rusev are sick of the WOOing so Rusev sings the Lana Song.

Overall Rating: C. I’m only downgrading this slightly because of Rusev getting that infernal song stuck in my head. This was another fun episode and I’m actually starting to wonder who is going to win the whole thing. They have several options at this point and that makes for a fun tournament, especially down the stretch. Good show here, with only the song being stuck in my head holding it down.

Remember to check out my new forum at steelcageforums.com follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the 2018 Updated Version of the History of the WWE Championship in e-book or paperback. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/01/26/new-book-kbs-history-of-the-wwe-championship-2018-updated-version/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: February 27, 2018
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix

We’re officially into the second round in the second of three tournaments WWE is currently promoting at the moment. That means we have the first instance of some names coming back, which means we’re in for what could be some bigger matches. That being said, this will be the third time in two days that Miz and Finn Balor have faced each other in two days. Let’s get to it.

Here’s a look back at last week’s show.

Here’s the weekly discussion on how to enable comments.

Your weekly live chatters: Natalya and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Sasha Banks is ready to end Asuka’s streak and Finn Balor beat Miz tonight so he can do it again here.

Miz and Asuka debated (in different languages) who was responsible for the winning streak.

Quarterfinals: Finn Balor/Sasha Banks vs. The Miz/Asuka

The guys start with Miz hiding in the corner as only he could. Well ok so a lot of people could but Miz is going to do it more awesomely. He also grabs a mic and holds up his hand, demanding silence from the masses. The fans start completing his catchphrase and it’s Balor grabbing a small package for two. Asuka is so scared by the near fall that she volunteers to come in but Miz kicks Balor down.

Back up and a dropkick to Miz gets two more, drawing in Asuka for some shouting in Japanese. Balor gets kicked down and Miz does Sasha’s dance (Sasha: “DON’T YOU DO IT!”) but the YES Kicks are broken up. Asuka tags herself in and the fans seem rather interested in this one. A shoulder takes Sasha down and it’s time for a dance off. That goes nowhere so Asuka strikes away and hits the running hip attack.

Banks knocks away a kick but has to blocks the Asuka Lock. A suplex gives Banks two and we hit the chinlock. Back to back running knees in the corner drop Asuka again and Banks does her own version of the YES Kicks. That just earns her a knee to the face and it’s back to the men. Balor’s Eye of the Hurricane gets two as everything breaks down.

The women fight on the floor as the Skull Crushing Finale gives Miz two with Sasha making the save. Balor is back up with the shotgun dropkick and the Coup de Grace gets a near fall of its own. Banks gets the Bank Statement on Asuka as Balor has a Crossface on Miz. Both villains reverse, with Asuka getting the Lock on Banks for the tap but it’s the legal Miz rolling Balor up for the pin at 12:50.

Rating: C+. The wrestling was good enough here but there was also a good sense of the drama with Asuka wanting to save the streak. Banks wasn’t a big factor here, but no one bought that she was going to pin Asuka in a match like this. At least there was a story to go with the match, and that’s more than you get in some of these.

Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss are ready to win next week.

Naomi and Jimmy Uso talk about glowing.

Overall Rating: C+. Now this was the fun show I was hoping for last week. The main thing here is we’re now into the important rounds and there’s a good chance that Balor and Banks will be the team voted back in as one of the semifinalists. Miz and Asuka are becoming more and more of a threat to win the whole thing and that makes for a promising final five weeks.

Remember to check out my new forum at steelcageforums.com, follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the 2018 Updated Version of the History of the WWE Championship in e-book or paperback. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/01/26/new-book-kbs-history-of-the-wwe-championship-2018-updated-version/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Mixed Match Challenge
Date: February 20, 2018
Location: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Beth Phoenix

We’re on the last night of the first round with what could be an interesting match. This week will see Charlotte/Bobby Roode vs. Nia Jax/Apollo. Now given that every match has been Raw vs. Smackdown with Raw winning the first three and Smackdown winning the next two, the ending shouldn’t be a huge mystery here. Let’s get to it.

Miss last week’s show?  I didn’t and here it is.

Cole explains how to keep comments on your screen. If you can watch Facebook Live, you probably know how to do that.

Jimmy Uso and Naomi are live commenting on the show.

First Round: Charlotte/Bobby Roode vs. Nia Jax/Apollo

Charlotte and Roode’s unofficial nicknames: the Robe Warriors. Apollo does the Titus Worldwide dance along with Titus and Dana Brooke, making Nia look like she wants to dive into a shark tank. The guys start but hang on a second as Roode needs to do some strutting. That’s not cool with Charlotte, who stops to give him a quick lesson. After a funny moment, Roode snapmares Apollo down and strikes the well received pose.

Apollo armdrags him into an armbar as we look at Nia. Back up and a dropkick gives Apollo two and let’s look at Nia again. Roode is frustrated so it’s off to the women, with Nia having to tell the cheering Titus to get off the apron. Dana Brooke grabs Charlotte’s foot so Nia yells at her, allowing Charlotte to unload with shoulders in the corner.

A dropkick puts Nia on the floor and Charlotte does Roode’s pose (though we seem to cut away when she shakes her hips). Back in and Nia runs her over but Charlotte knees her way out of a suplex attempt. Dana offers ANOTHER distraction so Nia can deck Charlotte, earning herself a rant from Nia. Charlotte slips out of a Samoan drop and a chop block sets up the Figure Four.

Unfortunately Nia is tall enough that she can headbutt her way out, meaning it’s off to the men as things speed up. The Glorious DDT is countered into a rollup for two, followed by Roode hitting a spinebuster for two of his own. Everything breaks down and Charlotte shoves Nia off the top, setting up the moonsault. Roode grabs the Glorious DDT to pin Apollo at 10:39.

Rating: C. I really wasn’t feeling this one as there wasn’t much of a way to convince people that either Apollo would beat Roode or that Nia would beat….well any big time opponent actually. They tried something with Nia being annoyed at Titus Worldwide but it’s not like there’s some kind of a deep history there.

Next week: Finn Balor/Sasha Banks vs. Miz/Asuka.

Balor says next week won’t be awesome, but it will be Too Sweet.

Asuka apparently still can’t speak English on this show so Miz says it’ll be Awe-ska.

Charlotte and Roode both do a WOO with Charlotte eventually giving Roode’s a pass.

After the winners leave, Nia has Titus take off his jacket and then yells at the entire team, blaming Titus and Dana for the loss. Apollo drops down behind Titus so Nia can shove him down. For some reason Dana takes a swing at Nia and that means a Samoan drop. Nia smiles to end the show.

Overall Rating: D+. Here’s the thing: this was a show we had to get through to get to the more interesting stuff. It’s not a good match in the first place and the Nia vs. Titus Worldwide stuff wasn’t anything either. You have to get that over with though to move on to the second round where things could get interesting. Not a terrible show, but the weakest so far.

Remember to check out my new forum at steelcageforums.com and pick up the 2018 Updated Version of the History of the WWE Championship in e-book or paperback. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/01/26/new-book-kbs-history-of-the-wwe-championship-2018-updated-version/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6